Members of Telangana Medical Council during a surprise inspection at “Helping Hand De-Addiction Treatment cum Rehabilitation Centre” in Telangana’s Hanamkonda district
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement
A surprise inspection by the Telangana Medical Council (TGMC) at a de-addiction centre in Hanamkonda district has exposed alleged abuse of inmates and several irregularities, including the finding that the facility was being run by a man claiming to be a doctor.
The investigation showed that P. Ramu, who ran the “Helping Hand De-Addiction Treatment cum Rehabilitation Centre” in Hanamkonda, established the non-governmental organisation to obtain government funds for de-addiction centres.
“Operating without any medical qualifications, Ramu took a place on rent near the Circuit House in Hanamkonda, turning it into a ‘de-addiction centre’. He underwent basic de-addiction therapy training and began posing as a doctor, administering high doses of Schedule H drugs [which need to be sold through prescription] and other psychotropic drugs to patients without proper medical supervision,” said TGMC member Naresh Kumar.
Abuse and substandard conditions
Dr. Naresh said the inmates of the centre alleged severe mistreatment, including getting stabbed with screwdrivers and denial of adequate food. The facility, which had a licence for only 50 beds, was found with 84 inmates, with multiple patients forced to share single beds. The TGMC team also discovered that the centre’s permit had expired, and no renewal process had been initiated.
During the two-hour inspection, Ramu failed to produce any valid documents, including the NGO’s registration, de-addiction training certificates or permits required by the Central government. “Despite repeated requests, no official paperwork was provided, prompting TGMC officials to escalate the matter to the district medical officers and the police,” said TGMC member Seshu Madhav.
Legal action and complaints
Reacting to the inspection, Manmohan Raju, representing the Warangal Psychiatry Society, said that he would lodge complaints with the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Development, the Income Tax Department and the Human Rights Commission regarding the centre’s illegal activities. Additionally, Dr. Seshu Madhav confirmed that a case will be registered against P. Ramu under sections 34 and 54 of the National Medical Commission Act.
Dr. Naresh said that a separate complaint would be lodged with the district drug control authorities for the illegal storage and use of Schedule H and narcotic drugs without proper authorisation.
Published – January 16, 2025 07:26 pm IST
